SXU student creates positive impact through service

Saint Xavier University (SXU) encourages its students to make a mark throughout their
college careers by becoming involved. Not only does it bolster morale; it also gives
purpose to the investment in one's education. Often, student leaders support this
notion as they achieve goals and exceed expectations. Thus, it is fitting to recognize
SXU student Genesis Garcia-Fisher for the positive impact she has on the university
community.

From Minneapolis, Minn., Garcia-Fisher is studying for a degree in education, specifically
for the middle school level. She has endorsements in many areas, including: language
arts, reading, social science and English as a Second Language (ESL). Now in her junior
year at SXU, Garcia-Fisher is no stranger to involvement. Since her first year, she
has worked her way up the ladder in the Office of Admissions to become a training
coordinator for the Student Ambassador program, where she plays a role in securing
incoming students. Academically, her excellence has granted her the opportunity to
be selected for the Schmitt Scholar Program. Through Campus Ministry, Garcia-Fisher
is a Peer Minister (PM) for spring break service trips and mercy charism. Currently,
she is the president of Mercy Students for Peace and Justice (MSPJ), and the treasurer
for the newly formed Race Justice Education Action (RJEA). In all her roles, she believes
activism and social justice are critical elements in supporting students as a Mercy
institution.

In her position on the immigration committee for MSPJ, Garcia-Fisher is responsible
for coordinating the monthly trips to the Broadview Detention Center, where a prayer
vigil is held each Friday for undocumented people facing deportation. Once a month,
SXU students can board the shuttle and join the Sisters of Mercy, along with other
religious groups, to pray the rosary and call for justice. Typically, distraught family
members are seen delivering a single bag of possessions to their loved ones, before
they are sent away. Occasionally, those in attendance will witness a bus of people
bound for the airport, accompanied only by a guard and a priest. Discussions are led
by Garcia-Fisher, before and after, on the shuttle. These trips are a significant
part of the social justice framework at SXU. While everyone has a different reason
for attending, she understands the safe space it provides students to talk about their
families and experiences. She also takes it as an opportunity to educate her peers
on immigration and social justice, and how they can actively participate in the movement.

With the recent dismantling of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients,
known as Dreamers, Garcia-Fisher brought MSPJ and RJEA together to design and sell
shirts in an effort to advocate for immigration rights. She also helped to plan and
lead a demonstration, emphasizing that immigration is a critical concern for the Sisters
of Mercy.

Humble by nature, Garcia-Fisher is hesitant to fixate on her accomplishments, but
does hope she has done her part in creating a better environment at SXU.

"If I have done anything, I hope I've made students feel safe in a world that doesn't
always allow us to. I want to raise the questions others may be too afraid to ask.
My hope is that SXU Dreamers know that SXU is a safe place for them, and that we are
here to support them," said Garcia-Fisher.

Her goals for this year are learning to balance life and find happiness. While she
is passionate about service and leadership, she also realizes the importance in taking
a step back and enjoying life in the moment. Moving forward, she aspires for her actions
to culminate in SXU becoming a sanctuary school, and to educate her future students
on social justice.

Thank you for all your hard work, Genesis! SXU is proud to have students who advocate
for what they believe in, and uphold values of both the institution and the Sisters
of Mercy. You continue to carry on the spirit of Catherine McAuley in your endeavors.

For more information on service and social justice activities, please visit the Campus Ministry web page.